about tea

Tea is entwined in many countries histories and daily routines. The second most consumed drink after water, it is found in many forms throughout the world. For many it is just a drink that may be even taken for granted, for others it is a way of life that is celebrated and is highly valued in many ways. Tea has been the cause of many battles but also created dialog, trade and dialog that has altered many a perspective. It can be used to cool those in the sweltering heat of long summers but has also sustained and warmed those in the freezing cold of mountainous regions.

Tea Art

In Chinese, Japanese & Korean culture there is a great tradition concerning tea. For the Japanese the art aspect is in many ways greater than the tea itself. The preparation of the tea is a long and elabourate process that is awe inspiring. Our links page contains sources of greater information on this subject and the Korean tea arts.

The Chinese tradition may be introduced with two words: CHA DAO, the way of tea. The philosophy of CHA DAO aims to encourage people to return to nature & peaceful pastimes. Drinking tea is an intrical part of many people lifes and has become sinonimous as an inspiration for artisans throughout China and its history, because of this imporance tea has also has developed into a form of art in its own way. Tea art or Cha Yi is a passion pursued by many and covers all imaginable aspects of the consumption of tea.

To prepare a quality cup of tea, you need fine tea, good quality water heated to the proper temperature and suitable tea-sets. Each of these four elements is indispensable. It is important to note that water which has been boiling for a long time does not make good tea and ideally natural mountain spring water is best for tea.

Wherever possible a natural environment is preferred and deemed to make the most ideal surrounding. Traditionalists believe this should extend to all apects of preparing tea, whether using a charcoal fire, woodern tea trays & accessories and Zi Sha clay tea pots.